Essay name: Vasantavilasa of Balachandra Suri (translation and study)
Author:
R. T. Bhat
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
This is a study and English Translation of the Vasantavilasa—an historical epic poem written by Balachandra Suri that explores the life and achievements of Vastupala, a minister of the Chaulukya dynasty in 13th century Gujarat. The thesis is organized into three parts, covering the historical context of the Caulukya dynasty, Vastupala's accomplishments, and a literary analysis of Vasantavilasa's 14 cantos.
Chapter 2 - History of Chaulukyas up to Vastupala
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External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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This tradesman was evidently Aṃbada, the son of Udayana, who is
credited with this victory by Balacandra, according to whom Vastupala when
provoked exclaimed: "Did not Ambada, though a Vanik kill Mallikarjuna?
According to Prabhācandra, Ambaɖa was the second son of Udayana. Ambada
was a very powerful man and in execution of Kumarapala's order struck off
the head of Mallikarjuna, the king of Kunkana. 120
Kumārapāla is remembered today as the last great royal protagonist of
Jainism; in that respect his position is unique in the history of medieval India.
When he first became attracted to Jainism is not known; some Chronicles
state that as a young man he met Hemacandra at Siddharaja's court where he
was induced by Hemacandra to take a vow that he would ‘view other people's
wives' as sisters. Most probably this tradition according to the modern
historian, A.K.Majumdar, is incorrect, and it may be true however that
Kumarapala gained his throne with the active support of Udayana's family
with which Hemacandra was closely associated.
121 Jayasiṃha Sūri relates that one day Kumarapala told Hemacandra to
advise him as to who should be his successor. "Shall I leave it", said the king,
“to Ajayapala my nephew or to my grandson (Dauhitra) Pratāpamalla”.
Hemacandra told Kumārapala that Ajayapala was a rascal and was not fit to be
a king; and that if indeed he got the kingdom, he would destroy everything.
As Pratāpamalla was not as a bad as Ajayapala, Hemacandra advised
Kumārapāla to nominate Pratāpamalla as his successor. Kumārapāla said that
he would do so in proper time and left.